Belize Forum

vegaspmk
Joined 2018
Posts: 13

5 years ago

An outsider's view of Belize

5 years ago

I have been monitoring this board for a few months in preparation for an exploratory trip to Belize. I just returned to the U.S, after my trip to Belize and I figure my impressions may help others who are currently thinking about Belize as an option.

First, I want to thank CC4me for his gracious and very helpful tour guide role on my visit to Caye Caulker. He met me at the ferry and later gave me a golf court tour of the island that was very helpful.

As Is often noted on this board, Belize is not for everyone, so just to say that it's not for me isn't all that valuable. But, it's not. I'll focus on commenting on things I haven't seen discussed before.

1) Food. If I didn't know better I would think that Belize was a Communist country. Belize's "supermarkets" are depressingly similar. They are the equivalent of American 7-11s. They all have the same commodities. One brand of bologna and hot dogs (chicken) one brand of chicken and pork. That a country like Belize has no markets offering fresh seafood is a joke. Restaurant food was also depressingly ordinary. One of the bases for considering a move to a Caribbean nation is availability of a variety of seafood. I didn't find it in CC, Placencia, or Corozal.

2) The roads suck. If I never see a speed hump, speed bump. or the laughingly designated "pedestrian ramp" again I will be very happy. I can't imagine subjecting an auto I own to the deliberate bumps or the potholes.

In short, I understand that a lot of expats don't mind the shortcomings of Belize, that they see Belize as a laid back alternative to the stressful environments they have left behind. But, for me. I can't imagine willfully choosing to live in a nation where so many of the towns give ramshackle a bad name.

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Contribute
Help others in Belize by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Belize.